OBIT: Elie SHEETZ, 1932, of interest in Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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ELIE SHEETZ

Passing of Lover of his Fellowmen

Notable Career of Elie Sheetz Ended by Death - Mourned by Many Friends.

  Death has taken Elie Sheetz to join Jennie Shuck Sheetz in her Father's house 
of many mansions.
  For the last twelve years he lived in the sublime faith that the idol of his 
dreams bided her time till he finished his mission on earth and crossed the 
barrier of the great beyond to share in everlasting life.
  The sturdiest oaks yield to the storms and stress of time.  With a fullness of 
life that expanded beyond four score years and four, Elie Sheetz peacefully 
passed away on Friday, November 11th.
  Interment in the granite mausoleum he erected in Rock Creek Cemetery took 
place last Monday after notable services amid the heartaches of a legion of his 
intimate friends.
  From his barefoot days when he attended to a neighbor's cow all summer for the 
reward of a pair of winter boots, Elie Sheetz indefatigably fought life's bitter 
hardships.  He valiantly faced every obstacle and courageously overcame the 
twists and turns of ill fortune with his irresistible energy and tenacity.
  Fortune's frowns were turned to smiles for this sturdy son of Somerset County 
at the beginning of this century when Mr. Sheetz was in his 53rd year.  From the 
day he named his product Martha Washington Candies his success grew by long 
strides.  At the close of his career he counted more than 200 Martha Washington 
stores bearing his name, served by 15 factories scattered throughout the 
country, as the result of his inspiration and energy.
  Although his preceding 50 years of uncompromising hardship and toil brought or 
found much human sympathy beyond his fireside, he nevertheless gave of his 
substance and shared his success with his friends in extraordinary measure.
  Without pretense or affectation Elie Sheetz was one of the most democratic of 
men, modest, capable, patriotic and conscientious.
  Probably more people personally knew Elie Sheetz, or came in contact with his 
spirit and genius, than any other businessman in America.
  He lived his life in the thought that "Mankind are one in spirit."
  For all of humanity he had a cheerful message, a kindly word and a helping 
hand.  The high, the low, the rich, the poor profited by contact with his rich, 
unspoiled nature and his experience.
  The Jew and Gentile, Catholic and Protestant, native and foreigner were all 
akin to Elie Sheetz and were blessed immeasurably by his loving and lavish 
kindness.
  More than one fortune was squandered in ventures with his friends and more 
than another good-sized fortune was passed out unostentatiously in kindly, 
charitable gifts and unheralded acts. In this respect Elie Sheetz was a whole 
Community Chest unto himself.
  Spontaneously, Elie Sheetz loved his fellow man.  He gathered in his friends 
literally by the score and stamped the impress of his kindly personality upon 
the hearts of a legion of men.  The radiance of his spirit outshone the 
reflection of the myriads of mirrors that embellish his many stores.
  Irresistibly, humanity cannot but help love the man and cherish his memory as 
one who fully loved his neighbor as himself.  The sentiment that actuated Elie 
Sheetz is gloriously expressed in Liegh Hunt's classic poem that tells of Abou 
ben Adhem who woke up one night from a sweet dream of peace.  The moonlight in 
his room made it rich like a lily in bloom.  Addressing an angel writing in a 
book of gold, Ben Adhem said: "What writest thou?
  "The vision raised its head, and with a look made of sweet accord, answered:  
"The names of them that love the Lord."
  "And is mine among them?" Ben Abou asked.
  "Nay not so." replied the angel.
  Abou spoke more low, but cheerily still, and said:  "I pray thee, then, write 
me as one that loves his fellow men."
  The angel wrote and vanished.  The next night it came again, with a great 
awakening light. 
  And showed the names whom love of God had blessed -
  And lo, Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.
  A throng of men and women personally indebted to Mr. Sheetz for many 
kindnesses, crowded his home for the simple and beautiful services.
  Rev. E. S. Dunlop, formally of the Washington Episcopal Cathedral, officiated 
with praise and scripture readings.  Rev. Dr. Rover, of Sunbury, Pa., also 
spoke.  George Plater, an employe for many years, sang three beautiful hymns.  
Relatives and friends from Pennsylvania and other localities joined with many 
employes and citizens of Washington in paying their respects.
  Mr. Sheetz left an estate estimated in excess of $2,000,000, dated March 7, 
1929.  His only son, Jet D. Sheetz, of Lancaster, Pa., is named as sole 
beneficiary of the estate.

Meyersdale Republican, November 17, 1932